| The breeding and selling of puppies is big business, | | | | pupps. Though you may not think your puppy |
| both in the UK and abroad. But if you are thinking of | | | | originated in a farm, if you bought him from an advert |
| spending hundreds of pounds on a pedigree puppy | | | | in the newspaper, the internet, a pet shop or |
| then please think again! Details from the latest Dogs | | | | superstore, these outlets are all to often supplied by |
| Trust survey show that a staggering 107,228 stray | | | | puppy farms. And even if he came from a recognised |
| and abandoned dogs were picked up from UK streets | | | | breeder or maybe even a family friend, you have to |
| in 2009. Despite huge efforts from animal welfare | | | | ask yourself how responsible it is breeding dogs |
| organisations, charities and local councils, on average | | | | considering the figures above. Money too often comes |
| 12 stray and abandoned dogs an hour are now | | | | before morals! |
| handled by local dog pounds. | | | | Dog rescue centres nationwide are overflowing with |
| According to the report, each hour: | | | | friendly and affectionate dogs hoping for a second |
| > 5 dogs are reunited with their owners | | | | chance. It is a myth that rescue dogs are aggressive |
| > 3 are taken to welfare organisations | | | | and not suitable for family life. Rescue dogs arrive in |
| > 1 is rehomed from the Local Authority kennels | | | | shelters for all sorts of reasons and many have |
| > 2 are in kennels for their seven day holding period | | | | excellent temperaments. They come in all breeds, |
| > 1 dog is put to sleep | | | | shapes, ages and sizes. They will have been |
| So of the 107,228 dogs picked up in the last year, | | | | assessed by their rescue centre who will have a good |
| around 9,000 remained unclaimed and were put to | | | | idea about their personality and ideal home. |
| sleep for want of a home. | | | | Far too many dogs are bred for a quick profit and sold |
| Despite these rather sobering figures, dogs continue | | | | without any consideration for their future welfare. With |
| to be overbred and farmed because the demand | | | | so many wonderful dogs facing death in pounds, |
| exists. Huge profits are involved and dogs will suffer | | | | please consider dog adoption when searching for your |
| and die until consumers make a stand. Puppy farms | | | | new four legged friend. |
| are places of horrible cruelty to mother, father and | | | | |